Mental illness takes many forms; therefore, the issues those battling mental health face often go unseen. For some Black celebrities with mental health issues, life is often filled with tragedy and triumphs while engaging in a private and public battle. Following is a list of famous Black celebrities who have battled mental illness.

Michael Jackson

Megastar Michael Jackson was said to have a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which caused a negative pre-occupation with body image. The condition is called Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD) and people who suffer from it often become addicted to cosmetic surgery. Jackson had over 30 cosmetic procedures and died of a drug overdose.

Maurice "Mo" Barnes is a graduate of Morehouse College and Political Scientist based in Atlanta. Mo is also a Blues musician. He has been writing for Rolling Out since 2014. Whether it means walking through a bloody police shooting to help a family find justice or showing the multifaceted talent of the Black Diaspora I write the news.